"The absolute worst result in a simultaneous exhibition was two wins and 18 losses (10%) by Joe Hayden, aged 17, in August 1977. Hayden wanted to set an American record by playing 180 people simultaneously at a shopping centerin Cardiff, NJ, but only 20 showed up to play. Hayden lost 18 of the games (including one to a seven-year-old). His two wins were scored against his mother and a player who got tired of waiting and left in mid-game, thus forfeiting the game (Fox & James 1993, pp. 190–91)."

Well, I was thinking of good records but that record by Joe Hayden is wonderful! By the way I would guess the American simul record of 180 must have been broken by now--American records welcome also. [since I have one]

12-0 in Super GM match play Fischer-Taminov and Fischer- Larsen will never be broken! Any Super GM today can hope to get more than one draw in 12 games even if playing Carlsen. Tamiov's GM title was taken away after his defeat, but later reinstated by Russia when they realized Fischer was just crazy good in that match.

Yes, Fischer's 11-0 win of the US Championship in 1964 stands as one of the great all-time achievements. He also won eight consecutive tournaments up to the Candidates Matches in 1971 if you leave out the Sousse 1967 Interzonal where he withdrew in a dispute while leading.

The win streak was 20 games in all, beginning with a flurry to finish the Interzonal, then 6-0 wins in matches v Taimanov and Larsen and the first game of the match with Petrosian. Steinitz won 25 tournament games in a row once, but the opposition wasn't nearly as strong.

Yes, Fischer's 11-0 win of the US Championship in 1964 stands as one of the great all-time achievements.

I think this one takes the cake. As GMs get more and more booked up over the decades, this particular record gets more and more untouchable. Every year I follow the USCC, and nobody ever comes even close. A draw or loss always slips in at some point.

2. Fischer - Is it 20? Or really 19? Since his game against Oscar Panno was never played, due to a protest by Panno. Not much details here, except that Fischer played his first move...and Panno resigned in protest.

The number of cigarettes smoked during a game - I think goes to Mr. Tal while playing Mr. Petrosian or somebody. Tal was sick but played, smoked and won anyway. It was close to 3-5 packs of cigs., though I have no proof of this.

One that will be very difficult to beat would be Garry Kaspaov's Consecutive Tournament record played against super-GMs , he won 15 consecutive supertournaments between 1981-1990 (including being tied for first). His streak was broken by Ivanchuk in 1991, when Kasparov placed 2nd...only 1/2 point behind Ivanchuk.

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